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Bilodeau and Heil at London 2012

Bilodeau & Heil London 2012 -

FIS

Whether it’s commentating for the media or getting first time Games experience, many Canadian freestyle athletes and staff are gearing up for the London 2012 Olympics.

Mogul skier Alex Bilodeau, who won Canada’s first gold medal on home soil at the 2010 Vancouver Games, has a prominent role in London. He’ll be co-hosting RDS’s French coverage of the opening ceremonies on July 27 from an athlete’s perspective.

“When the athletes walk into the stadium I’ll be giving an insiders perspective on what they’re thinking and feeling. I’ve been getting to know quite a few members of the Canadian team in preparation, and I’m heading to London early, on the 23rd of July, to give me time to meet athletes from other countries.”

Canadian diver Alexandre Despatie played a similar role at the Vancouver Games, and has been giving Bilodeau pointers.

It will be Bilodeau’s first summer Games experience, and his first visit to London.

Bilodeau said he’s crossing his fingers for the Canadians and thinks the Own the Podium program funding will make 2012 the nation’s best summer showing. He especially hopes to see Despatie come back from his recent injury and win gold.

Double Olympic medalist (gold in 2006 and silver in 2010) mogul skier Jenn Heil is also on the media circuit for London. She’s produced a series of video conversations with athletes like Despatie and Clara Hughes for the Globe and Mail newspaper. She’ll also correspond live via Skype with athletes during the Games for the Globe’s website and produce regular Games reports for radio station CJAD 800 in Montreal.

“I’m so passionate about sport and excited to share that knowledge and passion. I want to share the insider athlete perspective on what amateur sport means, the value of it and why athletes strive to be Olympians. We don’t always see the human side of athletics, I want to show how athletes overcome all the obstacles to get to the Olympics,” said Heil.